So What's a headframe? 

A headframe  (gallows frame,  winding tower, hoist frame, pit frame, shafthead frame, headgear, headstock, poppethead) is the structure above an underground mine shaft, built for hoisting machines, people, and materials. 

A steel headframe is less expensive than a concrete headframe; the tallest steel headframe measures 87 m.Steel headframes are more adaptable to modifications (making any construction errors easier to remedy), and are considerably lighter, requiring less substantial foundations. As steel headframes are easier to design, they have the potential to utilize "off the shelf" design tools. Construction of a steel headframe can be easily interrupted and restarted if necessary for statutory holidays or bad weather, where slip forming concrete is not. Upon mine closure and mine reclamation a steel headframe is easier to demolish and may have value as scrap metal.

A mine hoist winder is a critical piece of equipment used in underground mining to transport personnel, equipment, and materials up and down the mine shaft. The mine hoist winder typically consists of a drum or sheave around which the hoisting rope is wound, a motor or engine to provide the necessary power, and various safety devices and controls to ensure safe operation. Here is a general overview of how a mine hoist winder works:

Power Source: The mine hoist winder is powered by an electric motor, a diesel engine, or sometimes a hydraulic system. The power source provides the energy needed to lift and lower the hoist cage or skip.

Drum or Sheave: The hoisting rope is wound around a drum or sheave. As the drum turns, the rope is either wound up or let out, raising or lowering the hoist cage or skip in the mine shaft.
Hoist Cage or Skip: The hoist cage is a platform that carries personnel and materials in the vertical shaft. A skip is a container used to transport bulk materials. The hoist cage or skip is attached to the hoisting rope and moves up and down the shaft as the drum rotates.

Safety Devices: Mine hoist winders are equipped with various safety devices to ensure safe operation. These may include overspeed protection systems, emergency brakes, slack rope detectors, and other safety features to prevent accidents.

Controls: The operator controls the mine hoist winder using a control panel located either near the hoist or in a control room. The controls allow the operator to start, stop, and control the speed and direction of the hoist.

Monitoring: The operator monitors various parameters such as load weight, speed, rope tension, and other critical factors to ensure safe and efficient operation of the mine hoist winder.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the mine hoist winder is essential to ensure its safe and reliable operation. This includes inspections, lubrication, and replacement of worn components.

Overall, the mine hoist winder plays a crucial role in underground mining operations by providing a safe and efficient means of transporting personnel, equipment, and materials in and out of the mine shaft. It is essential for miners to follow proper procedures and safety protocols when using a mine hoist winder to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of everyone involved.